Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2015 8:18AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Snow flurries are forecast for the next few days, however, If significant snowfall occurs, be on the lookout for windslabs at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Light flurries forecast for the next few days, then a dry ridge will redevelop over the BC interior, with the next significant moisture arriving later in the week.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

A thick supportive surface crust is capping the snowpack. Below the crust is the recent storm snow which is around 50-70cm deep and sits on a previously variable snow surface that included wind affected surfaces, a freezing rain crust or sun crust, and/or surface hoar or sugary facets in sheltered terrain. In the middle of the snowpack you might find the mid-December surface hoar or crust/facet weak layers. These are now typically buried 1m or more. The old surface hoar layer may be found in sheltered shady areas at and below treeline, while the slightly deeper crust/facet layer is expected to be more widespread but also more variable.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Cool temperatures and a thick crust has capped the most recent storm snow making rider triggering unlikely on all but the most northerly (and shaded) aspects where buried surface hoar remains at treeline and above.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of thin areas where human-triggering may be possible and may propagate to deeper instabilities.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2015 2:00PM